Media & Marketplace Topics

The FCC uses auctions (competitive bidding) as one of the primary means of choosing among two or more mutually exclusive applications for an initial license for most commercial services, including wireless, television and radio. In a spectrum auction, parties apply to become qualified bidders for one or more spectrum licenses and take part in an online auction for those licenses.

The Federal Communications Commission regularly receives complaints from consumers on a wide variety of issues. Consumers are encouraged to always try to resolve the problem first with the company whose products, services or billing are at issue.

At the FCC, “ex parte” describes a communication directed to the merits or outcome of a proceeding that, if written, is not served on all of the parties to the proceeding and, if oral, is made without giving all the parties to the proceeding advance notice and an opportunity to be present. Our ex parte rules play an important role in protecting the fairness of the FCC's proceedings by assuring that FCC decisions are not influenced by impermissible off-the-record communications between decision-makers and others.

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The FCC is responsible for managing and licensing the electromagnetic spectrum for commercial users and for non-commercial users including: state, county and local governments. This includes public safety, commercial and non-commercial fixed and mobile wireless services, broadcast television and radio, satellite and other services.

The FCC reviews applications for the transfer of control and assignment of licenses and authorizations to ensure that the public interest would be served by approving the transaction.The commission's goal is a faster and more consistent review and analysis of applications.

The FCC maintains several online systems that allow the public to submit and access different types of filings regarding FCC proceedings, rulemakings, licensing, authorizations, complaints, tariffs and other official forms.Go to the Contact Information & Support Hours page for information about FCC’s customer support and helpdesk facilities for electronic filing and licensing systems.

The FCC uses auctions (competitive bidding) as one of the primary means of choosing among two or more mutually exclusive applications for an initial license for most commercial services, including wireless, television and radio. In a spectrum auction, parties apply to become qualified bidders for one or more spectrum licenses and take part in an online auction for those licenses.

The FCC has responsibility to initiate and direct, in coordination with other U.S government agencies, the development of international telecommunications policies reflecting the commission’s priorities. Areas include promoting the vital interests of the American public in international commerce, national defense and foreign policy areas.

The FCC is responsible for managing and licensing the electromagnetic spectrum for commercial users and for non-commercial users including: state, county and local governments. This includes public safety, commercial and non-commercial fixed and mobile wireless services, broadcast television and radio, satellite and other services.

The FCC reviews applications for the transfer of control and assignment of licenses and authorizations to ensure that the public interest would be served by approving the transaction.The commission's goal is a faster and more consistent review and analysis of applications.

The FCC reviews applicants’ eligibility to ensure compliance with applicable ownership rules for licenses, including media licenses and other authorizations. For example, parties must disclose ownership structures when applying for a license or authorization.

The Universal Service Fund program -- or USF-- has helped connect virtually every American to our 20th century communications grid, first bringing basic telephone service to places where there was no economic case for service, and then extending the benefits of mobile phone service to rural and underserved areas. The FCC is pursuing initiatives that will modernize and streamline the Universal Service Fund program, preparing it for 21st century telecommunications and technologies.

Advertising arises in a number of contexts at the FCC. Consumers submit a a variety of complaints about broadcast advertising, the nature of the products advertised, the timing of certain ads, and loud commercials or commercials that they believe are indecent or in poor taste. The FCC also administers rules about junk fax advertising.

The FCC enforces provisions of the Communications Act and the commission's rules, orders and terms and conditions relating to licenses. Areas of responsibility include broadcast, cable, satellite and wireless services, as well as common carrier services.

The FCC oversees the authorization of equipment using the radio frequency spectrum. These devices may not be imported and/or marketed until they have shown compliance with the technical standards specified by the commission.

Cellular fraud, or cell fraud, is the unauthorized use, tampering or manipulation of a cellular phone or service. Currently, the primary type of cell fraud is subscriber fraud. The cellular industry estimates that carriers lose more than $150 million per year due to subscriber fraud.

Congress gives the FCC responsibility for administratively enforcing laws prohibiting the airing of obscene programming at any time and the airing of indecent programming or profane language during certain hours. In response to a complaint, the FCC may revoke a station license, impose a monetary forfeiture or issue a warning if a station airs obscene, indecent or profane material.

Interference is any unwanted radio frequency signal that prevents you from watching television, listening to your radio or stereo or talking on your cordless telephone. Interference may prevent reception altogether, cause only a temporary loss of a signal, or affect the quality of the sound or picture produced by your equipment.

The FCC provides a non-exclusive list of measurement procedures that may be used when testing equipment to determine its compliance with FCC rules. The list is provided as a reference tool to aid interested parties in locating measurement procedures.

The FCC reviews applications for the transfer of control and assignment of licenses and authorizations to ensure that the public interest would be served by approving the transaction.The commission's goal is a faster and more consistent review and analysis of applications.

Online privacy is a growing concern for consumers as more day-to-day transactions take place electronically. The FCC urges consumers to take basic steps to protect themselves and their private information online.

The FCC reviews applicants’ eligibility to ensure compliance with applicable ownership rules for licenses, including media licenses and other authorizations. For example, parties must disclose ownership structures when applying for a license or authorization.

The FCC licenses and regulates U.S. television broadcast stations. Stations are either full power or low power stations. Low power television stations, which include Class A and television translators, provide locally-oriented television service in small communities.

Cable television is a video delivery service provided by a cable operator to subscribers via a coaxial or fiber optic cable. Other subscription video service distributors include direct broadcast satellite providers, home satellite dishes and local telephone companies.

The FCC administers and maintains licenses for AM, FM, LPFM, FM translator and FM booster radio stations. FM radio licenses are available for operators of full power commercial stations, as well as full and low power, noncommercial education stations.

Satellite technology provides telecommunications service throughout the nation and the world. Because satellites orbit far above the Earth, their footprint, or service area, covers nearly every part of the United States, providing instant, ubiquitous and reliable coverage.

Congress directed the FCC, in its development of a National Broadband Plan, to include “a plan for the use of broadband infrastructure and services in advancing... energy independence and efficiency.” Smart Grid technology is a promising way to use broadband and other advanced communications to promote energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage energy independence. Smart Grid applications are being deployed using a variety of public and private communications networks.

Charges, services, The FCC aims to make telephone service available and accessible to all consumers. We offer information to aid in common consumer questions and services, including eliminating unwanted telephone communications; changing phone services; number portability; understanding consumer phone bills; and more.number portability.

Unused spectrum between TV stations -- called white spaces -- represents a valuable opportunity for our changing wireless mobile landscape. Sometimes called “wi-fi on steroids,” this block of spectrum is ripe for innovation and experimental use, holding rich potential for research and commercial purposes. The FCC is moving forward with plans to unlock this spectrum in order to maximize white spaces’ value for consumers and businesses.

9-1-1 is the telephone number used nationwide for callers to report emergencies. Dialing 9-1-1 for non-emergency calls is against the law. 9-1-1 service is a vital part of the nation's emergency response and disaster preparedness system.

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